It's finally starting.

Yeah. The heat coming off of everyone is making the venue pretty hot.

Yes, I can feel my own body heating up as well.

Oh, I just remembered! I met Kaoruko when I went to check out the venue.

You met with…Kaoruko?

You know her, right? She said she was looking for you.

Is that so? So she really did come.

How do you know Kao—

Oh, the show's starting.

Ah, right!

[Fade in/out.]

Hi everyone! We're the Nijigasaki High School Idol Club!

Hm? Are you wondering where μ's and Aqours are?

Don't worry, they're both here with us! We're all gonna dance together!

Our club was only formed just recently, so we're nowhere near reaching the heights of μ's or Aqours, but our passion for this event rivals theirs.

So please watch us closely and see for yourself, okay?

We're full of determination. Rina-chan Board says, “Serious!”

We'll do our very best!

I'm sure you'll all be swooning over how cute I am by the time we're done with our opening act!

I won't go as far as to say that, but I hope you'll at least remember our names!

All right! Are you ready to get into the festival spirit? The School Idol Festival begins now!

[Fade in/out.]

What an incredible roaring cheer!

The event's only just begun and I'm already overwhelmed with emotions. I'm…so happy… That's all I can say right now.

I'm so happy for you. Congratulations.

We have everyone, all the volunteers, and you to thank for this as well, Shioriko. Thank you.

I really didn't do much.

Oh, but you did. It's almost as if we overcame everything because you stepped in to help run the event.

You organized the event summary and applications to submit to the school and took on all kinds of other jobs, too. We wouldn't be here without your support.

I was the one who said I would help if you managed to gather enough volunteers, so I haven't done anything to warrant any sort of thanks.

You have definitely earned my gratitude. We wouldn't have been able to hold the School Idol Festival today if it wasn't for you. That much I can say for sure.

You helped me out during the school tour, so please just see this as me returning the favor.

If that's what you want me to do…

That is exactly what I wish for you to do. Please.

However, I must say, for the School Idol Festival to actually be held today is nothing short of a miracle.

What?

I thought it would be near impossible to gather 1,000 volunteers.

I didn't think it would be possible to find such numbers through mere talk of dreams and passion alone.

Shioriko…

But Uehara's dreams and emotions created a huge wave through her live stream and found their way to school idol fans all over Japan. That's what made it a reality.

I see that emotions…that one's heart, is important to move the hearts of others.

People aren't machines. No matter how often I push the agenda of logic, I cannot move the hearts of others. That is what I have learned.

Was your heart moved as well, Shioriko?

Yes. I was touched and felt a passion brewing inside of me. That is what made me truly want to take on this challenge with you and make this event a success.

Really? I guess everyone would think that way after hearing that live stream of Ayumu's. She really captured everyone's hearts.

Indeed. It also felt as if I received a swift punch to the head as well.

Huh?! Wh-What do you mean by that?!

*Chuckle* It's nothing to get so surprised about.

I realized that as I am right now, I don't have the ability to emotionally impact others in the way that she did.

School idols who can move the hearts of others are amazing. That is what a true school idol is.

Yeah, school idols really are incredible. They shine so brightly, and bring energy and excitement to others.

That's right.

You know what? Personally, I wanted you to take the stage as well.

I mean, you only joined the club temporarily, yet you stayed as late as you could to practice and learned how to dance.

What?! Such nonsense coming out of your mouth! Impossible! I would only be a burden on others with my extremely limited practice.

Only those who have sweat their hearts out and tried their best without waning deserve to stand on that big stage. Someone like me does not belong there.

[Fade in/out.]

We will be holding lots of different events with many school idols after this as well!

There will be live shows, games, and many other events to suit the interests of all!

These events will be held all around the school, so grab that map you got at the entrance and go exploring!

We've also got a jam-packed food corner so I highly recommend going on a little food tour as well!

I had a taste myself and was surprised by how delicious everything was!

Make sure you follow the rules and enjoy yourselves!

Okay, we're all gonna step off stage for now, but we'll be seeing you all again real soon!

Oh! While we're all here, I wanna say our slogan together with everyone!

The slogan's important! Rina-chan Board says, “Sparkle.”

All right, here we go! Come Together!

Dream Together!